FAR FROM HOME: THE ADVENTURES OF YELLOW DOG
US, 1994, 81 minutes, Colour.
Mimi Rogers, Bruce Davison, Jesse Bradford, Tom Bower.
Directed by Philip Borsos.
Parents and children should enjoy this adventure, not only of a dog but of a sensible and likable boy. It is the story of a family, parents and two boys. They are presented as an old-fashioned family, reminding us well of how families could be. The father and the older boy go to sea but the boy and his dog are shipwrecked. The screenplay is more believable than most and shows a strong love within the family, particularly emphasising the bond between father and sons. This pays off for the stranded boy who uses his resourcefulness with great sense and energy. The Canadian sea and mountain locations are spectacular. The action is well paced. The director, Philip Borsos (Grey Fox, The Mean Season), says that he made this film for his own sons. It is a great gift.
1. The appeal of this kind of film? Families? Animals? Dogs? Lost in the woods? The presentation of family?
2. The title, indicating the adventures for Angus and for the yellow dog?
3. The Canadian scenery, the spectacular wilderness, sea, mountains? The storm sequence? The contrast with home? The musical score?
4. The portrait of family, Angus and his brother, his parents, British Columbia, the remote areas, the forest and the woods, the beauty of nature? Father and mother, their love for their children, the bonding between father and sons? The yellow dog, his being Angus's companion?
5. The father, Angus and his dog on the water, the storm, the spectacular effects of the storm, the capsizing of the boat? The father rescued, the Coast Guard service, John Gale and his attempts to find Angus? Angus and the dog, washed ashore, the coastline and its remoteness?
6. Angus and his dog washed ashore, surviving, eating fish? Counting the days? The ninth day? Angus and his relationship with the dog, the decision to go home? Walking through the forest? The encounters with animals in the forest? Nature, dangers, beauty?
7. Surviving the trek, eating the small animals, the insects? The weakening of Angus, the logging route, the high ravine, the log bridge? His being seen while crossing the bridge? The dog, his fall into the water, presumed dead?
8. The effect on Angus of the journey, reconciled with his family, his worry about his dog, going to the forest, blowing the whistle? At school, Sarah and his being a hero to the school, her kiss? Angus and his making the dog the hero of the journey? Time passing?
9. Angus blowing his whistle, the dog responding, coming home, Silas and Angus racing towards the dog, the parents and their joy?
10. The portrait of the young boys, home life, relationship, to their parents? The dog and his companionship? Their learning values? Fitting Angus for his time in the forest, survival? A future based on this kind of family and experience?
